Murder Mysteries #5

by Waggoner, Robert C.

  "Let's go pay him a visit Ben. I think he's a fountain of information. If those suspects get wind of his whereabouts, he could wind up like that guy over there," said Stacy pointing at Steve Larsen who was now being put into a body bag.

  "Come ride with me Stacy."

  "Okay Ben. Let me chat with Dan for a minute and tell Cathy where I'm going. I'll be right with you."

  Dan was hanging nearby so Stacy quickly told him to see if anybody from back east had rented a car in the last day or two. She told him the name of the car rental where Rollie Wiggins rented his SUV from. For there she went to Cathy to inform her they were going to Woodburn and later tonight or evening they would make contact again.

  She hurried to Ben's car and off they went for a two hour run to Woodburn to see the mysterious Bert Simons. In the car Stacy said, "Ben, what is your take on the relationship between Bert and Albert over the years. Do you think Bert was involved somehow with the insider trading and walked away with a bundle of cash?"

  "You know Stacy, I'm just a country boy detective. When a case like this, eastern politicians, contract killers and so on, baffles my poor brain. The only way to prosecute is to have an insider witness to testify. Like that last case we worked on with the church killings. It took an insider to put the final touches on the case. That witness protection program must get a heck of a work out. I see we're faced with the same situation. We need somebody somewhere to come forward to nail these folks who are committing murder."

  "We had a 'somebody' step forward and tell what he saw. Now he's on the way to the morgue. It's true we can provide protection, but at what cost to the individual. They lose friends and relatives just to put some lawbreaker in jail for a while. I use that term: ' a while' as most lawbreakers skate after just a few years of their sentence served. They say, time off for good behavior. Well, big whoopin deal. What else can you do in prison except follow the rules until you get out? Meanwhile, the testifying witness remains in their jail for a lifetime. Never mind Ben, let's go do our job. Like we hear and have heard all our lives: it's not a perfect system, but it's the best we have."

  "Have you heard anything from Rory?"

  "Not since he left for Florida. It almost seems like we're dogs chasing our tails. You're right Ben when you mention how we investigated our homicides locally and not nationally. We're in the big leagues now. Before we mostly pulled our own strings and now we are being pulled from DC. On the one hand it's a little exciting, but on the other it's a little scary. We're playing with some big time power brokers who have reached the pinnacle of their lives. At this point the people we're up against are playing for keeps with the money and position behind each of them," said Stacy.

  "Want to stop for a bite to eat Stacy," asked Ben as they approached Woodburn.

  "Yes, let's do just that Ben. You'd best make a call to the surveillance team to see what is what."

  It felt good to sit down and have a quiet lunch with a friend like Ben, thought Stacy. It was true she missed Rory and his jovial chatter, but sometimes he was little over the top. As she smiled, she saw Ben looking at her. "I was just thinking about Rory and his banter while eating. There were times I enjoyed it and other times it seemed a distracter from our investigation. But I was wondering Ben that maybe we're just maturing in our investigative methods."

  "I'm not sure Stacy that I'm maturing, but I sure can see your maturing leaps and bounds. I'm not purposely pounding your drum, but Lord knows what you'll be like ten years from now. Presently you're as good as they come with growing room the size of Texas."

  "Thanks Ben. I wasn’t' fishing for a compliment, but I flash on Agatha's Poirot always mentioning his little grey cells. For me starting the thinking process fuels my whole being with excitement about what is, and what will be."

  "I chose the family way of life Stacy. Sure I'm focused on the job while on duty, but after that I'm in the husband/father mode. I married fairly young, but with no regrets to speak of. Sure we all complain, but after a Sunday being together is really nice. Oh, our lunch is here."

  They ate in silence thinking about what had been said about both personal and business life. Stacy felt good being around Ben. He seemed like he was center support of the team. Regardless of what might happen, Ben was there to cast a lifeline of needed.

  With lunch over and the report that Bert Simons was puttering in his yard, they drove to his address east of the freeway about five miles from I-5 and just east of 99E on Highway 211. As they drove up to the surveillance car, they were told his place was just down the road about quarter mile on the north side of the road. Driving up Stacy saw a low rambler style with some large shade trees around the isolated house. The nearest neighbor was about three hundred yards away. The house sat back from the road about a hundred yards. When they drove in his driveway, Bert was bent over tending a flower garden fronting one side of the front of the house. He stopped, stood up, looking hard at the car. When both stepped out, Bert realized they two people he was staring at were law enforcement personnel.

  He never moved, but set his hand tool into a carry toolbox, brushed off his hands and wiped his hands on a red kerchief. Stacy noticed the green lawn was neatly trimmed and lush. She put on a nice smile and when she reached him, stuck out her hand and said, "Relax Mr. Simons, we're not here to bother you with any laws broken, but we're seeking some information on an old friend of yours, Albert Winslow."

  Bert took her hand giving it a brief shake and same with Ben. After the introductions, Bert said, "Come to the back of the house. I've some lawn chairs where we can chat." They followed him to the back of the house. Stacy noticed he was fairly spry for what she guess at around late fifties. They took a chair at a nice round table with an umbrella. Alongside one chair sat an ice chest. "How about something to drink," he asked while setting three bottles of lemonade on the table. "Now tell me about the death of my old friend please. After that I'll tell you what I know."

  Stacy related in detail what happened and what they suspected concerning the death of Albert. She also told Bert about Albert wife and what the situation was concerning her. "The thing is Mr. Simons; we were told by Frieda that to find you would help in our investigation. Right now she's under the protection of the government." Stacy could see that Bert Simons was a long ways from stupid. He took a long pull of his drink and looked around the area as if wondering where to begin his rendition that might expose him to grave danger. She saw him give a little shrug of the shoulders. He said:

  "Not sure how to make a long story short Marshall. I think it's best to start at the beginning or at least close to it. Albert was no thief. He was quite the contrary to being unlawful. We had decided to lay a trap for some really greedy crooked politicians. However, it backfired and Albert was left holding the bag, so to speak. I managed to legally siphon off a substantial sum to provide both of us a livelihood for life. It was agreed that Frieda for her own safety take up the position as a pissed off wife. A divorce was arranged and the rest you know.

  Albert and I discussed the idea of a book to expose the criminal actions of the senators. We both realized the old case was dead, but to expose to the public would cause a black cloud over their families. Their names would be scorned along with other politicians we are familiar with. Albert made a rough draft and I have the complete finished novel in my possession. We both knew he'd be killed, but his life was over anyway. As for me, I think I can continue my covert activities. I knew you'd be along soon. After you leave, an accidental fire will occur killing Bert Simons. Dental records will verify my death. However, with arrangements with the publishing company, funds will be delivered to a safe account. I've a new ID and a lady friend is waiting for me.

  Why am I telling you all of this, is a good question. But I don't think you'll prevent me from disappearing. I've everything you need on a flash drive and hard copies in a safety deposit box. I've names, places and also names and contact numbers for contract killers who most definitely are used by these ruthless power junkie
s.

  "I'm sorry to hear about what you said about an innocent citizen being murdered because he'd seen a vehicle at Albert's house. Like I said, you can find what you need to shut down that branch of contract killers. In my documents I've named places to meet and arrange hits; names to drop to insure your bona fides. You did mention Rollie going to Florida. His hold on his secretary is her family. They're Mexican and I'm sure he's threatening deporting her parents unless she does his bidding. Get her and you have your stool pigeon. Now any questions so far?"

  Stacy looked at Ben and he shrugged. Stacy said, "If you've got all what we need on a flash drive and hard copies of documents, then we really don't have any further questions to ask at this time. I'll burn the midnight oil reading and if you could postpone your leaving for say, forty eight hours, I'd appreciate it."

  Steve once again looked around and then said, "Here is a contact number Marshall. It'll be at that number for seventy two hours. After that I'm long gone. Believe me, you've got it all to bring those guys to their knees. Disgrace is what we're looking for the families. Oh by the way, I was expecting you as your surveillance team is not very good," he said standing up declaring the meeting over. Steve made a side trip into the house and returned with the storage device and a key to a safe deposit box in Salem, not Portland. They shook hands and left Steve Simons to seek his future in another place and time.

  Tampa Florida

  Rory and another Marshall's were staking out Frieda's house. Inside were other agents making sure it looked like someone was home? It had been decided when Rollie and his lady friend, Janice Banks, showed up, they pounce on him.

  Rory had been met at the airport by a Marshall Dove of Tampa. From all appearances to Rory, Marshall Dove was no nonsense guy with a chip on his shoulder that few could carry around. In a short while he'd made himself clear that he could handle whatever was coming down by himself. Why Connie wanted him to entertain Marshall Caltex from Oregon was beyond his thinking. Even after enlightening Dove he still tossed his head into the air displaying an attitude that few would condone.

  Rory did his best to explain that these guys were not to be underestimated. "Look Marshall Dove, these perpetrators have killed at least two people in cold blood. Let's not get over confident here. They also use contract killers so let's be on our toes here."

  "Look Caltex how hard can it be huh? This guy shows up with his girl friend, knocks on the door and we take him down. It's a no brainer Caltex. Okay we're almost there now. It's butt time now."

  Rory sure wished he was back on Oregon having something to eat with that new Candy redhead he'd just met. Just before he flew out he called telling her he'd be gone for a few days.

  "You're not just jerking me around are you Marshall?"

  "No I swear it. I'm on assignment to Florida. I'll bring something from Florida to show you I'm the real thing and not fake."

  "I believe you and was just joking. Call me when you get back Rory Caltex," said a voice dripping with whatever girls have that boys don't have when they talk.

  Rory focused on the house that Frieda lived in. Inside were some agents pretending to live there just so it looked natural. While Rory was wondering how this would shake out a van slowly drove by obviously looking the area over. The two Marshall watched it move away and in two minutes it was back parking right in front of the house. Rory saw the doors open and a fairly tall man was driving. The passenger was a short female. Suddenly to Rory's surprise, another male exited the car. This was not expected at all.

  The three of them walked with purpose to the front door. The porch light was on making the three perps very visible. Rory and Dove were out and moving fast with weapons drawn. The front door opened just as Dove screamed: "US Marshalls, put down your weapons now!"

  The last male out of the vehicle dove to the ground near the front door into the shadows firing his weapon at Dove. Dove yelled in pain as a bullet hit him somewhere. Rory rolled with the shooter lying flat on the lawn. Rory fired at the shadow hearing a grunt.

  Meanwhile Rollie tried running but an agent inside fired at him yelling for him to stop or be shot. He stopped and went to his knees. At that same time, Janice raised her hands surrendering under the porch light.

  Rory said to the shooter, throw your weapon out of die. The house is full of agents and you've no chance. A voice said, "Okay, I'm hit and need a doctor. Here's my gun."

  Rory didn't trust the guy one little bit. From his pocket Rory took out a flashlight that was given to him by Dove. He flicked it on, leaving it on the lawn while he rolled away from the light. Shots were fired at the light. Rory fired back and heard a scream of pain as his bullets found their mark. From inside the house, a light shown out to where the shooter was lying on the ground. By the time Rory slowly made his way to the shooter, another agent came from another direction. The shooter would not need a doctor but a coroner.

  Once it was confirmed the shooter was dead, another agent was tending Marshall Dove. He'd taken a bullet to the knee and one to the his left shoulder. Rory tried to be sympathetic, but he felt that maybe justice was served appropriately to Marshall Dove.

  Rory went into the house. Janice Banks was sitting on the sofa quietly sobbing. An hour later the story was clear that she was being held hostage by Rollie Wiggins. Apparently her parents were Mexican and their visa had run out. Rollie threatened to send them back to the squalor of Mexico unless she did his bidding. Janice admitted she pulled the trigger that killed Albert Winslow. Rory was shocked, but happy that this part of the case was over. Rollie Wiggins was being held as an accessory to murder.

  After things had settled down, Rory called Connie to report the confrontation. He gave his report with specifics and left out the fluff. Connie said, "Great job Rory. If what you say about the woman Janice Banks, I want you to take her with you to my office here in DC. Go to the airport and I'll have a plane waiting for you. A man in a military uniform will be waiting for you in VIP lounge area. Tell Bill B, who is with you at the house drive you to the airport. He knows what to do. See you in a few hours Marshall."

  DC Connie

  A small private jet picked both Rory and Janice up. On the way to Washington, Janice talked to Rory like a confessor. He heard her tale of abuse, both physical and mental. The story made Rory burn inside knowing he was a male with some power, but not like these 'creamers' who rise to the top licking the spoons that fed each of them.

  "Marshall I've so much to tell somebody, but I need to know my parent's will be not sent back to Mexico. They'd perish in a short while. When we came to America, we thought it was the land of plenty and freedom for all. It was that way for a while, but then the next thing I know I'm working for a senator who is as corrupt as anyone in my own country. He found out about my parents and then he had me to be his kept person. I know, because I heard them talking that I'd be killed to 'tie up loose ends' as they said. My job was to kill the lady of the house. I guessed it was Albert's wife. I'm so glad she wasn't home."

  Rory was having a hard time believing that such highly educated men could resort to such a level to subjugate a human into bondage. He didn't realize he'd been holding her hand the entire way to DC. At Andrews they were met by a twosome of staff. They were whisked off to Connie's office. It didn't matter it was late at night. This was business that needed their attention.

  They were led to Connie's office. Janice was quite familiar with government offices. Connie greeted both cordially saying, "I know it late Janice Banks, but while it's fresh in your mind, let's take a little while to hear the story from when you arrived in Oregon and then when you with Rollie went to visit Albert Wainright."

  Two sets of recordings were taking place by a trio of technicians. Janice said, "We arrived by commercial plane in Portland. Rollie rented a car and from there we drove west to the coast. A special senatorial retreat is where we went. When we arrived a group of the same people I was used to seeing was camped out enjoying some luxury. One of the girls who were hired for the
duration showed me a place where I would be staying. The next thing I know is Rollie with seriousness told me we would be visiting an old man who needed to move on to greener pastures. It would be my job to shoot the old guy in the temple making it look like suicide. After that it was also my job to clean the room of any evidence such as prints, hair or anything that might be associated with us being there.

  Well, the old guy was nice. He made us a drink and sat with attention listening to Rollie tell him what a bad guy he was writing those nasty things about his friends. The old man just smiled sipping his whiskey. I realized afterwards he knew he was about to die. When I walked up to him all shaky he told me to relax and just hold the gun to his head to keep it steady. Afterwards, we looked for any papers of his manuscript, but found nothing. I cleaned up and we left. I think it was the next day or the day after we left for Florida. I was told that we needed to 'clean up a loose end' in Florida. By then I was almost a nervous wreck. Rollie fed me a valium that helped calm me down.

  After we landed he rented a car at the airport. We drove to a remote area where at a motel we picked up a guy who fit the description of a bad guy for sure. The only words he spoke were to answer Rollie that he was ready to rock and roll. I'm sure as when I looked at him he spoke through his eyes that I'd be next in line. I really didn't have a plan. After we parked at this house and walked to the door, Rollie pushed the button and then the whole world turned upside down for me. Shots were fired and screaming sounds were heard. What seemed like a long time it suddenly went silent. I saw neighbors turn out their lights and they probably went into hiding.